A Grand opinion

Skysports.com readers are split over who will be crowned Super League champions this year.

By Nigel Askham

Last Updated: 13/09/11 5:19pm

Wigan: Can they retain crown?

Skysports.com readers are split over who will taste Super League Grand Final success next month.

One the eve of the start of the top-eight play-offs reigning champions Wigan Warriors won 34 per cent of the vote in a public poll but League Leaders Shield winners Warrington Wolves were hot on their trail with 31 per cent.

St Helens (14 per cent) and Leeds Rhinos (13 per cent) also won significant support ahead of what promises to be one of the closest fought play-off series in Super League history.

But there was a big thumbs down for the chances of fourth-placed Huddersfield Giants, who received just two per cent of the vote despite winning two of their three games against Warrington this season.

The Giants get the chance to prove a point when they open the play-offs at Warrington on Friday, although the losers will get a second chance to reach the season's climax at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday, October 8.

Online bookmakers Sky Bet make Tony Smith's Wolves evens favourites, with Wigan also well fancied to complete a Super League and Challenge Cup double at 11/8.

St Helens, who visit arch rivals Wigan in the other qualifier on Sunday, are third in the market at 8/1 with Leeds, who host 66/1 chance Hull in an eliminator, are a 16/1 shot.

Catalans (25/1) play host to Hull KR (100/1) on Saturday with the losers bowing out.

Sky Bet's Dave Sykes said: "Warrington look worthy favourites for the Grand Final having scored the most and conceded the least during the regular season. An early exit from the Challenge Cup has left them fresh and focused on the season finale in Manchester."